Residence

What is Religious Studies?

The Religious studies program examines the variety of beliefs and behaviours through which people around the world express spiritual impulses, both in formal religions and everyday life. What do people believe is sacred? What do they think about the meaning and purpose of existence? How do they live out these beliefs in their day-to-day behaviour?

As an academic discipline, Religious Studies, does not promote or undermine any particular religion or worldview. It approaches the study of religion as a social phenomenon recognizing that religions have occupied a very central place in virtually all civilizations; the program focuses on the relationship between religion and culture.

At Huntington the faculty’s areas of expertise are focused on lived experience and the phenomena of religion and spirituality within contemporary culture.

6 elective credits in the Social Sciences
6 elective credits in the Sciences
12 elective credits

Upper Years

6 RLST credits from Area I: Judaeo-Christian Tradition

6 RLST credits from Area II: Religions of the World

6 RLST credits from Area III: Religion and Modern Culture

12 additional RLST credits at the 2000 or 3000 level

30 elective credits

Note: Students may not exceed 42 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program.

BACHELOR OF ARTS (4 YEAR) IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Total 120 credits

SPECIALIZATION IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

First Year

6 credits from:

RLST 1005E- Religion and Roots

RLST 1106E- Religion for the New Generation I

RLST 1107E- Religion for the New Generation II

RLST 1116E- Ideas of Love I

RLST 1117E- Ideas of Love II

6 elective credits in the Social Sciences
6 elective credits in the Sciences
12 elective credits

Second and Third Years

6 RLST credits from Area I: Judaeo-Christian Tradition

6 RLST credits from Area II: Religions of the World

6 RLST credits from Area III: Religion and Modern Culture

12 additional RLST credits at the 2000 or 3000 level

30 elective credits

Fourth Year

LST credits at the 4000 level

12 additional upper year RLST credits *

6 elective credits

* Students must complete at least 6 RLST credits at the 3000 levelNote: Students may not exceed 42 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program.

MAJOR IN RELIGIOUS STUDIES

6 credits from:

RLST 1005E- Religion and Roots

RLST 1106E- Religion for the New Generation I

RLST 1107E- Religion for the New Generation II

RLST 1116E- Ideas of Love I

RLST 1117E- Ideas of Love II

6 RLST credits from Area I: Judaeo-Christian Tradition
6 RLST credits from Area II: Religions of the World
6 RLST credits from Area III: Religion and Modern Culture
12 RLST credits at the 4000 level
6 additional upper year RLST credits
78 elective credits **

Important: Must include 6 credits in the Social Sciences and/or 6 credits in the Sciences if not part of the minor or second major
** Students must complete a minimum of a minor (24 credits) or a second major (42 credits) from among their elective credits.Note: Students may not exceed 42 credits at the 1000 or 9100 level in their degree program.

Program Faculty

Chair

Full-Time Faculty

Courses

Please note that courses listed are subject to change and may not be offered every term.

RLST 1105: Religion for a New Generation
An exploration of the contemporary search for meaning and transcendence through new religious trends such as the Charismatic movement, born again Christianity, occultism, magic and the Eastern religious experience; as well as through non-theistic modes of existence such as consciousness raising, psychedelic experience, political action, sexual freedom and artistic creativity. The course attempts to isolate and clarify the meaning and function of religion in light of these trends.

RLST 1160: Elementary Biblical Greek
Introduction to Biblical Greek, with reading exercises from Septuagint and New Testament authors. This course will help to fill the need of ministerial candidates for proficiency in New Testament Greek. (Students may not receive credit for both RLST 1160 and GREC 1005.)

RLST 2115: The Development of Western Morality
This course explores the development of moral systems in Western society with special emphasis on the role of the Judeo-Christian religious tradition in establishing norms and values. It also examines ethical theory. (Students who have taken RLST 2315 will not be permitted to take this course for credit.)

RLST 2196: The Fourth Gospel
This course examines the Gospel of John: its origins, authorship, date, purpose, and composition. In addition, it attempts to understand its theological perspective, with special emphasis on the Johannine use of signs and homily to interpret the Christ event. An assessment is made of its impact in apostolic, post-apostolic, and modern times.

RLST 2355: God, Play and Games
An examination of the shape and religious significance of leisure in Western society. The primary focus of the course is on those elements in Christian thought and tradition, i.e., the feast, the holy day, and worship, which together contribute to the contemporary view of leisure as a celebration.

RLST 2445: Christian Faith and Interpersonal Communication
This course considers the nature and meaning of interpersonal communication as dialogue. Resources in Christian pastoral theology are explored to enhance communication skills such as self-awareness, self-disclosure, listening and responding in a variety of interpersonal contexts such as marriage, family life, friendship, and work.

RLST 3215: Religion and the Arts
The varieties of expression of religious myth and symbol throughout the development of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Particular reference is made to the religious use of the visual arts, architecture and music.

RLST 3245: Health, Healing and Spirituality
This course examines critically the role of spirituality within different religion traditions in creating a holistic understanding of health and healing. Special consideration is given to the spiritual basis of complementary and alternative medicines as contrasted with convention Western allopathic medicine.

RLST 3117: The Evangelical, Conservative Protestant Tradition in Canada
This course examines a growingly important body of Christian thought. Included in the course will be the study of important concepts in the evangelical tradition such as: literal, fundamentalist and conservative approaches to the Bible; evangelism, ethics, conversion, second baptism and apocalyptic. Historical roots and current developments in evangelical, conservative Christianity in Canada will also be studied.

RLST 3177: Christianity and the Celtic Experience
This course examines how pagan Celtic religion in Ireland shaped the incoming Christian influence into a unique religious synthesis: Celtic Christianity. Secondly, the course studies the spread of Celtic Christianity throughout the British Isles and the distinct spirituality found in the lives of four saints: Patrick, Bridgid, Columbanus, and Colomcille. Thirdly, the course explores the current revival of Celtic Christianity in Britain and North America and compares its spirituality with other spiritual revivals.

RLST 3396: The Human Prospect: Technology and the Individual Experience
Examines, from a global perspective, the ongoing technological revolution, its impact now and in the future on the individual experience. It explores the meaning of moral responsibility and faith in a high-tech society in terms of the Christian understanding of the metaphors of stewardship and journey.

RLST 3397: The Human Prospect: Technology and the Social Experience
Examines, from a global perspective, the ongoing technological revolution, its impact now and in the future on social institutions. It explores the meaning of moral responsibility and faith in a high-tech society in terms of the Christian understanding of the metaphors of stewardship and a global village.

RLST 3315: Life Journeys: Transitions, Rites of Passage and Spirituality
This course examines the life journey, and the roles of spirituality and rites of passage in critical life transitions such as birth, puberty, graduation, leaving home, marriage, mid-life, separation and divorce, retirement, institutionalization and death.

RLST 3316: Religion and the State in Canada
A major determinant in the relationship between religion and the state is the beliefs of theologies of various religious groups. In Canada, these beliefs have resulted in a unique relationship differing from both the American and European models. The course explores the effects of religious belief in Canada on issues such as religion in government, religion and education, and religion and dissent.

RLST 3326: Religion and the Elderly
This course is a study of the images of the elderly found in the religious traditions of the world, including the North American native people. Special attention is given to an examination of the spiritual needs of the elderly and how these needs might be addressed by religious and health care organizations.

RLST 3327: Ethical Issues for the Elderly
This course explores issues for the elderly such as the adequacy of health care, financial security and protection from various forms of abuse. The course focuses on justice issues as well as quality of life concerns.

RLST 3336: Food, Ritual and Religion
This course critically examines the role of food and eating as a way of creating and maintaining a coherent, cultural, and religious world view. Topics will include fasting, feasting, ritual cannibalism, gluttony, morality, resource allocation etc. Theoretical perspectives focusing primarily on Christian, Jewish, and Muslim traditions will allow students to explore how humans use food to articulate the role of the human and the divine in the world. Students will investigate the relationship between such topics as religion, culture, globalization, biodiversity, and technology.

RLST 3417: Liberation Theology
This course studies the roots and character of Latin American liberation theology placed in context both within Christian theology and within its culture. The key issues of the relation of theology to liberation (in this case, social and political) are the more detailed focus. The course also looks at what its impact might be on North American theology, and what implications this might have on north-south relations.

RLST 3615: The Psychology of Religion
This course studies the psychological dimension of religion by introducing students to major 20th-century figures in the psychology of religion. It also examines the basic theories of religious development as well as a variety of topics focusing on religious change such as conversion, mysticism and faith healing.

RLST 3666: Faith, Values and Professional Ethics
This course explores the relationship between religious faith and business and professional conduct. It examines the impact of religious value systems such as Judaism, Christianity, Islam and eastern religions on decisions which must be made by business and professional people.

RLST 3696: Religious and Ethical Perspectives on Mass Communication
This course outlines various theories and world views of mass communications, and examines issues with particular reference to questions of access, control and critical assessment of burgeoning information and communication order. Attention is given to case studies in key areas of media orientation, practice, and strategy, and their effect on values and beliefs.

RLST 4365: Problems in the Study of Religion
A course which concentrates exclusively on the methodological questions (exegetical, hermeneutical and phenomenological) raised by the study of religion in an academic context.

Previous Graduates

Alumni Quotes“Taking religious studies at Huntington University has been a one of a kind opportunity. The professors provide a unique and comfortable learning environment where you are able to ask questions and express opinions with ease. The professors of religious studies are incredibly open and willing to help you understand concepts or give you direction with assignments. The courses offered at Huntington are diverse, stimulating, and interdisciplinary. I can honestly say that taking religious studies courses at Huntington University has been one of the most incredible experiences throughout my undergraduate education; I will take the knowledge gained both from my professors and classmates into my next steps in life.”

— Katrina Shank

“The majority of my classes for the Religious Studies half of my dual major degrees were taken at Huntington University. At Huntington, you are a name not a number, a true benefit of the small class sizes. Huntington staff makes you feel very comfortable and special; you are not just another student who is coming through the door. The relationships you make with Huntington staff through taking classes are unparalleled. The classes that Huntington offers are also very diverse and offer many different interests all to do with Religion. Taking Religious Studies through Huntington University is the best decision I have ever made and I can tell you from experience you will not regret any minute of it.”